Toothbrush Trivia with Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Cosmetic Options for a beautiful smile!

There are many treatment options available to you with cosmetic dentistry that allows you and your doctor to create that beautiful smile you have not only dreamed of, but the smile that you deserve.

Some of your basic cosmetic options include filling replacements that strengthen and improve the shape of your teeth, and bonding to repair slight chips, discolorations, or crooked teeth.

If you are missing any teeth, it is very important to replace them. Dental implants are made of steel and porcelain and look just like your natural tooth. You may also want to consider a bridge. Bridges are made up of two crowns and a natural looking false tooth that are supported on both sides by your natural teeth.

Another option is Veneers; custom designed “shells” that cover your natural tooth to enhance your teeth for a more aesthetic smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry, and all of the wonderful options available to you, please call our Royal Oak, MI practice at 248-721-9186 to schedule an appointment and consultation.

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar celebrate Halloween

With Halloween only two weeks away, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar know that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun community activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of young trick-or-treaters in our Royal Oak, MI neighborhoods.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with Halloween trick-or-treaters, it is important to keep a few dental tips in mind:

• Avoid sticky candy- Caramel, gummy candies, peanut butter, raisins, and other sticky treats are the worst because they adhere to teeth, and can eventually lead to tooth decay.
• Hydrate- Drink water after indulging in sweet treats to prevent sugars from settling on your teeth.
• Brush & Floss- On Halloween, it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene! We recommend that you brush for two to three minutes and floss to remove harmful bacteria.

At the home of Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar, we hand out toothbrushes and toothpaste. Neighbors look forward to getting a new toothbrush every Halloween! For more information on good oral hygiene habits, don't hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 248-721-9186.

A few patient reviews for Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry!

Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar and team, serving Royal Oak, MI and surrounding areas, deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make dental treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Best hygenists, support staff, and proceedures I've ever experienced at a dentist office." ~Melissa

"Your office has the friendliest office staff of any medical office I have ever been to." ~Stefani

"All of the people i've came in contact with so far have been very patient friendly and knowledgeable." ~ Robert

"Candy and Lollie are phenomenal!" ~Patrick

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar remind patients about the importance of good oral health

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, we just can't believe September is already over. It's fall; the leaves are turning color, the weather is crisp and cool today, October 1st, marks the official start of National Dental Hygiene Month, a time for Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar (and our staff) to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy beautiful smile.

This year's theme is “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” which focuses on prevention. At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, we know everyone is busy; living a life on-the-go is difficult for most people, but our staff is here to tell you keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient Royal Oak, MI office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, is it time that you schedule an appointment at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment.